The climate challenge
Growing crops is thirsty work. As our climate changes, we'll urgently need plants that survive even when water is scarce.
To speed up the search for plants that will thrive in dry conditions, researchers are developing an ingenious system that will allow them to see plants' roots through the soil.
Scientists plant seedlings in a special pot lined with a circuit board. A small electric current passes through the soil which can create an image of the root system seeking water.
Raph says: 'There are already plenty of crop varieties that can cope with drought conditions and climate change. There's no need to transfer genes unnaturally using GM technologies.'